3D Innovations H-182 (ENG)2 Benutzerhandbuch

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Safe Handling, Storage, and Destruction of Nitrate-Based Motion Picture Films
 
 H-182 (ENG)
3
Choosing a storage facility for cellulose 
nitrate films depends on the amount of 
film to be stored. 
For short-term storage, you can use 
approved film cabinets for storing up to 
750 pounds of film (equal to 150 1000-
foot rolls). Use vaults for longer-term 
storage
 of amounts up to 750 pounds. 
Always store amounts over 750 pounds 
in vaults. Be sure to segregate cellulose 
nitrate films from other film storage 
areas.
For extended-term storage (for 
preservation of material having 
permanent value), store in archival 
cabinets or vaults that contain individual 
compartments and allow for 
decomposition gas venting. 
Do not exceed 70°F inside the storage 
vault, and maintain the relative humidity 
below 50 percent. For long-term storage 
requirements, store the film at 35°F at 
20- to 30-percent relative humidity.
Refer to the design specifications for 
film cabinets and vaults, including 
materials of construction, maximum 
capacity, venting, and sprinkler 
requirements found in NFPA 40, 
Chapter 4. You should also check your 
local fire code for additional film 
storage requirements.
In addition to cool and dry storage, 
Molecular Sieves are recommended for 
storage of all cellulose nitrate films. You 
can promote extended keeping and 
preservation of cellulose nitrate films 
with the placement of Molecular Sieves 
inside the film storage container. These 
sieves scavenge and catalytically 
decompose the gases that are generated 
during the storage of cellulose nitrate 
films and retard the degradation 
reactions. Molecular Sieves are 
available from FPC, 
6677 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los 
Angeles, California 90038,
 (800) 814-1333 or (213) 468-1574.
STORAGE
Exposure to temperatures in excess of 
185°F accelerates decomposition of 
these films. While they deteriorate, 
nitrate-based films can develop pressure 
and heat in the film can, especially when 
the can is taped closed. Contained gases 
and heat can lead to spontaneous 
combustion. Therefore, it is 
recommended that you store cellulose 
nitrate films in painted or tin-plated 
metal cans with loose lids. Do not tape 
the lids or use tight-fitting lids unless 
you are using Molecular Sieves.
Decomposition gases (powerful 
oxidizing agents) can also react with 
nearby acetate and polyester base films, 
so you will need to store cellulose nitrate 
films in a separate area. The 
decomposition gases can also promote 
decomposition of nearby cellulose 
nitrate films. If your cellulose nitrate 
films need to be stored, but have started 
to deteriorate, you must store them in an 
area that is separate from other cellulose 
nitrate film storage areas.
Store cellulose nitrate films in vaults 
in single or double roll containers or in 
approved shipping containers. You will 
need to examine the entire length of 
nitrate films prior to vault storage. If 
they are stored with temperature and 
humidity controls, you should inspect 
nitrate films on a hand rewind machine 
annually. Where storage conditions are 
not controlled, you should examine 
films every six months, or more 
frequently in warm climates. Any nitrate 
films you find in good condition can be 
returned to the storage vault. Any films 
that have progressed to the third stage of 
decomposition need to be destroyed at 
an approved facility.
You need to exercise care when 
attempting to project cellulose nitrate 
films. Cellulose nitrate motion picture 
films may be brittle and shrunken. Do 
not attempt to unroll or project a 
cellulose nitrate film unless you are 
thoroughly familiar with its physical 
characteristics. Improper projection can 
damage or destroy the film.
Because of the potential fire hazards, 
the projection of cellulose nitrate films 
is not a common practice. You should 
project cellulose nitrate films only in 
specially designed enclosures using 
projectors with air cooling systems. 
(Refer to design specifications in NFPA 
40, Chapter 6.) Projection booths in 
older theaters were typically constructed 
with thick concrete walls, large steel 
doors mounted on rolling tracks, and 
explosion relief panels. Specialized 
projectors with fire prevention rollers 
were also used.
Since decomposition is accelerated 
with high temperatures, projecting 
cellulose nitrate film without air cooling 
systems will advance the decomposition 
stage. Therefore, do not return film that 
was exposed to high temperatures to 
your storage vault for long-term storage. 
You can reprint your film onto safety 
film and then send the cellulose nitrate 
film to an authorized facility to be 
destroyed. 
PROJECTION